The Humanity's Strongest & The Graceful

Racing Thoughts

Tessa's POV:

The ride to Trost was peaceful for Tessa's racing thoughts of so many questions she had but didn't have the answers to them. Somehow, Tessa could still feel the secure grip of Levi's arm wrapped around her waist. It was a feeling that was so perfect, but why? Tessa sighs when she looks up to the sky and wonders if her mom could give her peace of mind, but she knows better. Tessa remembered when Vanessa would tease her about her crush on Levi. Tessa, of course, would blush soon after the teasing. Her mom would want her to be happy, but Tessa couldn't accept it because the last time Tessa was delighted, her whole world changed. Now, Tessa thinks she doesn't deserve happiness after that, so she closes everyone off so they can't see the real her. Yet, Levi is the only one to get past her walls, but how? How could he break those walls down so easily? How could he do that after sixteen years? The more Tessa had thought about it, the more it drove her to get answers. Suddenly the sound of people echoes outside the entrance of Trost, and Tessa pulls away from her thoughts.

"Look, it's Dr. Lind and Kip!" Someone shouts from the crowd when Tessa enters Trost's gate. Before Star takes another step, Tessa pats her side and then hops off, and Kip stays at her side while Tessa grabs the reins, "Alright, let's go." Tessa whispers, and then she whistles for Kip to lead. While following her hound, Tessa waves to everyone and receives hugs from the children, who run up to greet her. It makes everyone smile to see the kind doctor in town though they understand she's busy in the Scouts. Even with a silent interaction, Tessa brought smiles to people who saw her because she had a light about her that carried hope. Tessa's the people's ray of hope. While still hugging the children and allowing them to pet either Kip or Star, Tessa checks her watch and realizes she still had an hour before seeing her patients, so what could she do?

Suddenly the pleasant aroma wafted by, which caught Tessa's attention as she inhaled the scent of fresh-baked pastries, and she knew where it was coming, or at least she hoped she did. When Tessa looks at Kip, she sees drool coming from his mouth, which makes her laugh, "Lead the way, Kipper," She commands, and Kip barks, "Miche has you spoiled." Tessa whispers while shaking her head as she follows the hound. As Tessa got closer to the bakery, the stronger the aroma got, and she could hear her stomach growl as she followed Kip. When Tessa reached the location of the sweet smell, it was the Kirstein family Bakery, just as expected. Tessa smiles at Kip bouncing around Lisa Kirstein's legs, "Hi, Mrs. Lisa." Tessa waves when she reaches the duo, and Lisa looks up when she hears Tessa's voice and smiles, "Oh, hi, sweetheart," She beams and hugs Tessa, "How are you?" She asks.

Whenever Tessa comes to Trost, she visits the Kirstein family since Lisa is one of her patients. Instead of a doctor-and-patient relationship, they shared a different type of bond. Lisa treated Tessa like a daughter, and it made Tessa miss that from her mother. Tessa welcomes the warm embrace and smiles, "I'm doing good. I'm finally in the Scouts now," She replies and looks around, "Where's Jean?" She asks, and Lisa sighs, "He left first thing this morning," She replies as she lets go of Tessa, "I figured he would wait here so you could see him." She confesses, to which Tessa gives Lisa a weak smile and then nods, "Well, I might run into him since I'll be here until noon." She reassures her. However, she has never understood why Jean and Lisa had a strange relationship, but she remembers that Jean has gotten to that age. 'Boys will be boys.' Tessa thinks before the sweet smell hits again, and she inhales again, "Mrs. Lisa, what is that pleasant aroma I keep smelling?" She asks with a smile, and Kip barks in agreement.

Lisa giggles while cleaning her hands on her apron, "Oh, it's strawberry muffins," She beams as she turns around over to the counter, "I knew you were coming today, so I made these for you, dear," She replies while handing a basket of pastries to Tessa then reaching into her pocket, "And these treats are for Kip. I'm roasting pumpkin seeds for Star too." She adds. Tessa sees Star nod her head, and she smiles, "Thank you so much. I was craving these when I got out of bed this morning." She admitted as she took a muffin out of the basket. When Tessa takes a bite of the pastry, the strawberry is dancing on her tongue, "Ah, this was what I needed today," She whispers after she finishes eating the last half, then sees Kip still eating the treats and then looks at Lisa, "That was wonderful. I swear I taste happiness when I eat any of your pastries." Tessa confesses, and Lisa smiles, "Well, thank you, dear. I'm glad you think so. I suppose I should bake more for the rest of the Scouts?" She asked with a raised brow, but before Tessa could agree or disagree, Lisa chuckled, "I'll have them ready before you leave, Tessa." She informs her.